Download our free Health and Safety Management Plan Template:

• Health and Safety Management Plan Template .doc file (Word Document)
• Health and Safety Management Plan Template .pdf file (PDF)

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Purpose of Document

Health and safety management plan templates are used to outline the WHS processes for the management of safety on a construction project. The primary goal is to ensure all workers (including subcontractors) are protected from illness and injury. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.

How to Use

You should liaise with competent personnel and workers to develop a comprehensive and project specific health and safety management plan.

This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that may need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:

• Relevant legal requirements have been met,
• Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
• Workers and other subcontractors are consulted with during the customisation / review process.

The document should be provided to workers (including subcontractors) during the construction project.

When to Use

Health and safety management plan templates should be used to develop your plan prior to the construction project commencing.

Who Should Use

This plan should be developed by your Safety Advisor, Project Manager or other competent person in your organisation.

Legal Considerations

There are specific legal requirements regarding health and safety management plans in the WHS Regulations. Some of the legal requirements include:

• s(309) WHS Regulations – Duty to Prepare WHS Management Plan
• s(310) WHS Regulations – Duty to Inform (persons of) WHS Management Plan
• s(311) WHS Regulations – Duty to Review WHS Management Plan
• s(313) WHs Regulations – Duty to Keep WHS Management Plan

Workers also have WHS duties, including:

• s(28) WHS Act Duty to:
  • Take care of themselves
  • Take care of others
  • Follow procedure
  • Follow instruction

FAQ

What is a Health and Safety Management Plan?

A Health and Safety Management Plan outlines the safety processes that will be implemented on a construction project. This document should be prepared by the Principal Contractor. 

Who needs a Health and Safety Management Plan?

Principal contractors on projects where the total sum of the project is over $250,000 must prepare a Health and Safety Management Plan.

What information should be in a Health and Safety Management Plan?

The following information should be within the Health and Safety Management Plan:

• the names, positions and health and safety responsibilities of all persons at the workplace
• the arrangements in place for consultation, cooperation and coordination between parties
• the arrangements in place for managing any work health and safety incidents that occur any site-specific health and safety rules
• the arrangements for the collection and any assessment monitoring and review of safe work method statements.

Did You Know?

In the early 20th century, Australia had its fair share of occupational hazards, including peculiar incidents that led to safety regulations. One such incident involved a group of workers refusing to continue working until their employer provided “banana protection” – helmets to guard against falling bananas in a warehouse.

Australia’s health and safety landscape began to change in the 1970s with the establishment of government bodies like Safe Work Australia. The country introduced innovative regulations, such as the use of fluorescent pink on hazardous chemicals to make them more visible and prevent accidents. Today, Australia continues to prioritize health and safety, employing strict guidelines, promoting worker participation, and emphasizing a proactive approach to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

Article Sources and Further Reading

1. Construction Work (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1705/mcop-construction-work-v1.pdf>
2. Work health and safety management plans (WHSQ) <https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/workplace-hazards/construction/whs-management-plans>